Why one tiny island's Census is about much more than numbers

Tucked away in the South Pacific Ocean, Norfolk Island—a mere 35 square kilometres—will be part of this year's Census. With a population of approximately 2,100 residents, the island has garnered a reputation as one of Earth's most stunning locales, as per Nicholas Mostardo, acting general manager of the Norfolk Island Regional Council (NIRC).

Mostardo, who relocated to the subtropical island earlier this year, praises its natural beauty and the warm, friendly community, describing it as a unique place he's personally experienced.

The NIRC, currently under administration until December 31, 2026, while Norfolk Island undergoes a new governance model, has been working with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to ensure Norfolk Island's population is accurately recorded during the Census of Population and Housing on August 11. The ABS has been visiting the island to engage with the community and ensure broad participation in the census.

This will be the third time Norfolk Island participates in the Census, marking a decade since the Australian government included the island in the survey, a move that initially faced contention. Norfolk became an Australian territory in 1914, but its governance was initially unclear. In 2015, the Australian parliament granted Norfolk Islanders limited self-government, leading to the Australian government's assumption of governance in 2016.

In 2023, Norfolk Island regained some control through the Norfolk Island Governance Committee, classifying it as an external territory of Australia.

This complex history has sparked debate among Pitcairn Islanders, who share a distinct culture and speak the Norf k-Pitcairn language. In 1856, 194 Pitcairn Islanders arrived on Norfolk Island from Pitcairn. The ABS has adjusted its data collection methods to better reflect the unique ancestry of Norfolk Island residents, including an increase in the number of people identifying as having Pitcairn descent from 484 in 2016 to 550 in 2021.

The Census is crucial for Norfolk Island, assisting in funding arrangements and strategic planning. The Council of Elders, responsible for advocating for the community, has engaged with the ABS to improve the understanding of the island's population composition.